De-centralized operational indicator system for a materials handling vehicle

ABSTRACT

A de-centralized operational indicator system comprises a communication module and an output module. The communication module includes a vehicle interface that communicates with electronics of a materials handling vehicle. The communication module also includes an information system interface, and a controller that is connected to the vehicle interface and the information system interface. The output module is coupled to the information system interface of the communication module, and includes a first output device, and a second output device. The first output device is oriented in a first direction that is detectable by an operator of the materials handling vehicle when the operator is within an operating compartment of the materials handling vehicle. The second output device is oriented in a second direction that is detectable outside of materials handling vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/039,138, filed Aug. 19, 2014, entitledDE-CENTRALIZED OPERATIONAL INDICATOR SYSTEM FOR A MATERIALS HANDLINGVEHICLE, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to the communication ofoperational information via an indicator system of a materials handlingvehicle, and in particular, to systems and methods for de-centralizingthe conveyance of operational information about a materials handlingvehicle.

Wireless strategies are being deployed by business operations, includingdistributors, retail stores, manufacturers, etc., to improve theefficiency and accuracy of business operations. In a typical wirelessimplementation, workers are linked to a management system executing on acorresponding computer enterprise via mobile wireless transceivers. Forinstance, in order to move items about a facility, workers often utilizematerials handling vehicles, including for example, forklift trucks,hand and motor driven pallet trucks, etc. The wireless transceivers areused as interfaces to the management system to direct workers in theirtasks, e.g., by instructing workers where and/or how to pick, pack, putaway, move, stage, process or otherwise manipulate the items within afacility. As such, a facility such as a warehouse often has pedestrians,equipment operators, vehicle operators, etc., working in closeproximity.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a de-centralizedoperational indicator system is provided for a materials handlingvehicle. The de-centralized operational indicator system comprises acommunication module that is coupled to an output module. Thecommunication module includes a vehicle interface, a controller, and aninformation system interface. The vehicle interface communicates withelectronics of a materials handling vehicle to which the de-centralizedoperational indicator system is attached. The controller receivesinformation from the vehicle interface, and generates commands, i.e.,control signals, which are passed to the information system interface.The information interface couples to the output module to drive outputsaccording the commands/control signals of the controller.

The output module, which is coupled to the information system interfaceof the communication module, includes a first output device, and asecond output device. When installed on the materials handling vehicle,the first output device is oriented in a first direction towards anoperating compartment of the materials handling vehicle. For instance,the first output device is remote from a main vehicle display console,and is oriented in a first direction that is detectable by an operatorof the materials handling vehicle when the operator is within anoperating compartment of the materials handling vehicle. Thus, the firstoutput device is generally facing an operator's station, such as anoperator's seat for a sitdown rider, an operator's platform for astandup rider, or sit/stand operator area such as for a turret stockpicker, etc. The first output device may also be oriented in a firstdirection that is directed towards a current vehicle operator position,or other operator orientation provided within the materials handlingvehicle.

The second output device is oriented in a second direction that isdirected away from the materials handling vehicle, and is thusdetectable outside of the materials handling vehicle. For instance, thesecond output device is oriented so as to be visible by a pedestrian inproximity to the materials handling vehicle. In this regard, the firstoutput device and the second output device may be packaged in the samehousing, or the first output device and the second output device may bepackaged in separate housings.

In use, information is received by the vehicle interface of thecommunication module from materials handling vehicle electronics. Thecontroller includes programming to analyze the received information,generate a first control signal for controlling the first output device,and generate a second control signal for controlling the second outputdevice.

By way of example, the first output device may comprise a firstillumination device. Likewise, the second output device may comprise asecond illumination device. Thus, when installed on the materialshandling vehicle, the first illumination device is oriented in the firstdirection that is visible to the operator of the materials handlingvehicle when the operator is within the operating compartment of thematerials handling vehicle, and the second illumination device isoriented in the second direction that is visible outside of thematerials handling vehicle.

Accordingly, the controller can be programmed to convey operationalinformation of interest to the vehicle operator (e.g., a pedestriannearby; approaching a stop; traveling too fast, etc.) via the firstillumination device in a manner that is de-centralized (remote) from acontrol console/display of the materials handling vehicle. The abilityto control an illumination device simplifies the information that isconveyed, resulting in glanceable information that can bring about orotherwise enhance situational awareness of the operating environment.

Likewise, operational information can be communicated to remote targets(e.g., pedestrians, equipment operators, etc.) that are proximate to thematerials handling vehicle via the second illumination device. Thecommunicated operational information can bring about situationalawareness with regard to the operation of the materials handling vehicleto the environment external to the materials handling vehicle. Forinstance, the controller can be programmed to alert workers external tothe materials handling vehicle about direction of travel, speed oftravel, vehicle operator identity, task being performed by the operator,etc.

In this manner, the controller can control the first and secondillumination devices to convey the same information to the operator andremote target(s) at any given time (e.g., an indication that thematerials handling vehicle is approaching a speed zone, such as anintersection, high traffic area, etc.). The controller can alternativelycontrol the first and second illumination devices to convey differentinformation to the operator and remote target(s) at any given time(e.g., an indication to the operator that the vehicle is approaching anend-of-aisle stop, and an indication to remote targets that the operatorhas a skill level of “2”). It is still further possible that theoperator may receive an indication, whereas there is no need to providean indication to remote target(s) or vice-versa. Also, for eachindication, the specific inputs required to achieve the desired outcomeindication will depend upon the specific application.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofproviding situational awareness is provided. The method comprisesreceiving operational information about a work environment from amaterials handling vehicle. The method also comprises generating a firstcontrol signal representing a first situational awareness message for anoperator of the materials handling vehicle based at least in part, uponthe received operational information. The method further comprisesgenerating a second control signal indicative of a second situationalawareness message for a target external to the materials handlingvehicle based at least in part, upon the received operationalinformation, where the second situational awareness message is differentfrom the first situational awareness message. Also, the method comprisescontrolling a first output device mounted on the materials handlingvehicle to output the first situational awareness message, andcontrolling a second output device mounted on the materials handlingvehicle to output the second situational awareness message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a de-centralized operational indicatorsystem for a materials handling vehicle, according to various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a fleet of materials handlingvehicles operating in a wireless environment, according to aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a de-centralized operational indicatorsystem installed on a side sit reach truck, according to various aspectsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a de-centralized operational indicatorsystem installed on a turret stock picker truck, according to variousaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart that describes an algorithm for implementing ade-centralized operational indicator system according to aspects of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates workers in the vicinity of a materials handlingvehicle, where the workers each wear a vest that communicatesinformation between other workers and/or the materials handling vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a de-centralizedoperational indicator system for a materials handling vehicle. Thede-centralized operational indicator system can be used to augmentexisting control displays (e.g., a dashboard) in a materials handlingvehicle by placing an output device that communicates operationalinformation in a position that is remote from the main controldisplay/vehicle display console. As such, a dashboard mounted displaycan become secondary for certain types of information that will beconveyed by the de-centralized operational indicator system.

Moreover, the de-centralized operational indicator system can providenew types of operational information that cannot be displayed by theconventional display console of a materials handling vehicle. As such,the de-centralized operational indicator system not only augments, butalso extends the existing displays provided in a materials handlingvehicle. The de-centralized operational indicator is also designed toenhance situational awareness for both the operator of the materialshandling vehicle, and for targets such as pedestrians, equipmentoperators, equipment, vehicles, etc., that are proximate to thematerials handling vehicle, by communicating information to both thevehicle operator, and to targets external to the materials handlingvehicle.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, adecentralized operational indicator system includes at least oneoperational indicator component 100. Each operational indicatorcomponent 100 includes a communication module 102 and at least oneoutput module 104. The communication module 102 includes a vehicleinterface 106, a controller 108, and an information system interface110. Each output module 104 includes an output such as at least oneillumination device 112. Each output module 104 may also include one ormore additional devices 114, such as a speaker, haptic device,transmitter, or other information output capable apparatus.

Communications Module:

Turning now with specific reference to the communication module 102, thevehicle interface 106 is configured to communicate with at least oneremote device. For instance, as illustrated, the vehicle interface 106communicates with electronics 116 of a materials handling vehicle towhich the operational indicator component 100 is attached. In thisregard, the vehicle interface 106 may include buffers, amplifiers,conversion logic, communications circuits, and other circuitry to handleany conversions, transformations or other manipulations necessary tointerface the controller 108 with the electronics 116 of the materialshandling vehicle.

For example, the vehicle interface 106 may comprise a vehicle businterface, e.g., a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus interface, whichelectronically connects to a native vehicle network bus 118 (e.g., a CANbus) to communicate with electronics 116 of the materials handlingvehicle across the vehicle network bus 118. As will be described ingreater detail herein, in this manner, information, e.g., about theoperating state of the materials handling vehicle can be communicated tothe vehicle interface 106, and hence to the controller 108, directlyacross the vehicle network bus 118.

In illustrative implementations, the vehicle interface 106 iselectrically coupled to a transceiver 120 to receive information from aremote server computer via a wireless connection. For instance, thevehicle interface 106 may communicate with a wireless communicationdevice, which may be integrated into the communication module 102 orprovided on the materials handling vehicle. With specific reference toFIG. 1, the vehicle interface 106 utilizes (e.g., via the vehiclenetwork bus 118), a transceiver 120 to communicate with a remote serveracross a wireless infrastructure. The vehicle interface 106 may alsointeract with one or more remote wireless devices via the wirelesscommunication device, such as another materials handling vehicle, anindividual wearing a communications-equipped vest, a machine orappliance in the work environment, etc.

The controller 108 receives the information obtained by the vehicleinterface 106 and converts the received information to situationalinformation regarding at least one of the materials handling vehicle andthe environment in which the vehicle is operating. More particularly,controller 108 implements various logic algorithms and processingnecessary to transform the information received by the vehicle interface106 into commands to control the output module(s) 104, which communicatewith the communication module 102 through the information systeminterface 110. As will be described in greater detail herein, thecontroller 108 controls the output module(s) 104 to providede-centralized operational information to the operator of the materialshandling vehicle. The controller 108 also controls the output module(s)104 to provide information to external target(s), such as pedestrians,other equipment operators, workers, and others proximate to thematerials handling vehicle, equipment, devices and other technologiesthat can sense, detect, read, scan or otherwise identify an output ofthe output module 104.

The controller 108 includes a processor, any necessary memory (includingprogram space, storage space, or both), and other necessary hardware tocouple to the vehicle interface 106 and information system interface110. The controller 108 can use the processor to implement a rulesengine, a state machine, or other structure to control the outputmodule(s) 104. Moreover, the controller can apply algorithms,computations, formulas, simulations and other processing techniques todetermine when to issue a command to an output module 104. As anillustrative example, the controller 108 may be aware of the definitionsof variables stored in a data object model of the correspondingmaterials handling vehicle. This data object model may be availableeither directly or indirectly over the vehicle network bus 118. Thus,the controller 108 can access the vehicle network bus 118 of thematerials handling vehicle to extract data to populate the rules, tocheck for states or state transitions, to derive variables for formulas,etc. The controller 108 may also receive commands from the materialshandling vehicle or from a remote server to initiate certain outputs,e.g., to address driving in a dark portion of a warehouse, to respond toan impact, etc. The controller 108 can also utilize wirelesscommunications to receive updates or changes to the rules, etc., toremain current with the needs of the application.

The information system interface 110 converts the output of thecontroller 108 into control signals suitable to interface with theoutput module(s) 104. In this regard, the information system interface110 may include buffers, amplifiers, conversion logic, etc., to handleconversions, transformations or other manipulations necessary tointerface the controller 108 with the output module(s) 104.

The controller 108 maps, computes, transforms, processes or otherwisegenerates information based upon signals received at the vehicleinterface 106, to control one or more output modules 104. The controller108 may also map, compute, transform, process, or otherwise generateinformation based upon signals from a microphone, speaker, transmitter,etc., from one or more of the device(s) 114. Here, the signals processedby the controller 108 are received by the information system interface110, which are communicated through the vehicle interface 106 to thematerials handling vehicle (thus supporting bi-directionalcommunication, i.e., I/O).

The vehicle interface 106 may be discrete and independent from thecontroller 108. Alternatively, the vehicle interface 106 may beimplemented using logical components that are integrated into thecontroller 108, e.g., through the use of a microcontroller or othersuitable processor that includes built-in control technology. Likewise,the information system interface 110 may be discrete and independentfrom the controller 108. Alternatively, the information system interface110 may be logical components that are integrated into the controller108, e.g., through the use of a microcontroller or other suitableprocessor that includes built-in control technology.

Output Modules:

Each output module 104 interfaces with a corresponding communicationmodule 102. In this regard, there is at least one output module 104connected to a corresponding communication module 102. However, inalternative implementations, there may be multiple output modules 104coupled to a single communication module 102. For instance, as will bedescribed in greater detail herein, a materials handling vehicle mayinclude a set (e.g., three to four) of the operational indicatorcomponents 100 surrounding an operator of the materials handlingvehicle. In this example, there may be as few as one output module 104per communication module 102. As another example, a materials handlingvehicle may include a single communication module 102 that controls aset (e.g., three to four) output modules 104 that are arrayed around theoperator of the materials handling vehicle.

Moreover, each output module 104 may comprise a single output device,e.g., a single illumination device, multiple illumination devices thatmake up a single output device, etc. Each output module 104 mayalternatively comprise multiple output devices. For instance, as will bedescribed in greater detail herein, at least one output module 104includes a first output device implemented as a first illuminationdevice that is inward facing, and a second output device implemented asa second illumination device that is outward facing.

By “inward facing”, it is meant that when installed on the materialshandling vehicle, the first output device is oriented in a firstdirection that is detectable by an operator of the materials handlingvehicle when the operator is within an operating compartment of thematerials handling vehicle. For instance, where the first output deviceis a first illumination device, the first illumination device may beoriented in the first direction so as to direct light within theoperating compartment of the materials handling vehicle. As a fewillustrative examples, the first direction is generally facing anoperator's station, such as an operator's seat for a sitdown rider, anoperator's platform for a standup rider, or sit/stand operator area suchas for a turret stock picker, etc. The first output device mayalternatively be oriented in a first direction that is directed towardsa current vehicle operator position, or other operator orientationprovided within the materials handling vehicle.

By “outward facing”, it is meant that when installed on the materialshandling vehicle, the second output device is oriented generally facingaway from the materials handling vehicle. For instance, where the secondoutput device is a second illumination device, the second illuminationdevice is oriented in the second direction so as to direct light outsideof, and away from the materials handling vehicle.

The outward facing illumination device provides situational awarenessinformation from the materials handling vehicle to a target that isexternal to the materials handling vehicle. Examples of a targetexternal to the materials handling vehicle include a co-worker in thevicinity of the materials handling vehicle, the vehicle operator thathas stepped out of the operator's compartment and off the materialshandling vehicle (e.g., to perform a pick operation), a pedestrian inthe vicinity of the materials handling vehicle, equipment or warehousefeatures (such as racks, machinery, etc.) near the materials handlingvehicle, etc.

According to yet another example, the inward facing output devices andthe outward facing output devices may be determined by conceptuallyconstructing an imaginary circle around the vehicle. A tangent along thecircle is selected. In this regard, output devices such as lightsdirected inward of the tangent are designated as inward facing outputdevices for the operator. Likewise, output devices such as lightsdirected outward of the tangent are designated as outward facing lightsfor targets external to the materials handling vehicle.

Moreover, an output device need not be physically connected or otherwisephysically wired to the materials handling vehicle. Rather, the outputdevice may be integrated into a worker vest, glove or other wearabledevice. In this regard, the output device receives wireless informationfrom the controller 108. Here, the communication module 102 may includea transceiver that the controller 108 can access. As another example,the controller 108 may be able to access one or more of the wirelesstransceiver(s) 120 on the materials handling vehicle. Thus, an outwardfacing output device can be an illumination device on the materialshandling vehicle that directs light outward and away from the materialshandling vehicle, an illumination device or other output device on avest worn by the vehicle operator or other workers in the vicinity ofthe materials handling vehicle, etc.

Likewise, it is possible to implement the same functionality using afirst output module 104 that is configured to be inward facing and asecond output module 104 that is configured to be outward facing.

Each illumination device may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED). As anotherexample, multiple LEDs or other suitable light emitting technology canbe combined to form a single illumination device (e.g., multiple LEDscombined into a single light). In other example implementations, thereare multiple independent illumination devices, e.g., multiple LEDdisplays. This allows different lights to be dedicated to differenttypes of information. In this example, the individual illuminationdisplays may be stacked, e.g., as a light pole, which is orientedhorizontal, vertical, or in other patterns. Alternatively, a single,color changing light (e.g., comprising one or more color changeable LEDsor different colored LEDs) can be utilized to convey differentinformation by controlling the light to emit different colors at theappropriate times.

As such, the first output device may comprise a plurality of lights. Inthis regard, the controller 108 is programmed to selectively controleach of the plurality of lights such that each light, when illuminated,conveys different information intended for the operator of the materialshandling vehicle. Likewise, the second output device may comprise aplurality of lights. In this regard, the controller 108 is programmed toselectively control each of the plurality of lights such that eachlight, when illuminated, conveys different information intended for aperson remote from, but proximate to the materials handling vehicle.

Still further, the illumination device may comprise a matrix of LEDs, anLED array, one or more LCD displays, a display screen, or anycombination of the above. Moreover, other illumination technologies maybe utilized. For instance, one or more output device can include aprojector, filter, or other suitable device that casts an image onto thefloor or other surface. The image may comprise a directional arrow, amessage to pedestrians or equipment operators in proximity to thematerials handling vehicle, etc. Also, the information may be directedto the operator of the materials handling vehicle, e.g., to designate anext location to travel to, to indicate to the operator when theoperator has reached the next designation, an instruction, e.g., aboutan approaching intersection or section of a warehouse, etc.

As still further examples, an illumination device may comprise a light“ring”, e.g., an array of lights that surround or partially surround aportion of the materials handling vehicle in a manner that the lightscan be controlled to simulate or impart a sense of motion of the lights,e.g., using techniques such as flashing the lights in an orderedsequence, controlling light color, controlling light intensity orcombinations thereof, to convey direction, speed, etc.

As will be described in greater detail herein, at least one outputmodule 104 is coupled to the information system interface 110 of acorresponding communication module 102, having a first output device anda second output device. The system is configured such that wheninstalled on the materials handling vehicle, the first output device isoriented in a first direction that is detectable by an operator of thematerials handling vehicle when the operator is within an operatingcompartment of the materials handling vehicle (e.g., generally facing anoperator's position within the materials handling vehicle). The secondoutput device is oriented in a second direction that is detectableoutside of materials handling vehicle. In this configuration,information is received by the vehicle interface 106 of thecommunication module 102 from materials handling vehicle electronics116. The vehicle interface passes information to the controller 108,which includes programming configured to analyze the receivedinformation, generate a first control signal for controlling the firstoutput device, and generate a second control signal for controlling thesecond output device (e.g., via the information system interface).

In a more specific implementation, the first output device comprises afirst illumination device and the second output device comprises asecond illumination device. Under this configuration, the firstillumination device is installed on the materials handling vehicleremote from the main control display, and is oriented in the firstdirection (the inward facing direction) so as to direct light within theoperating compartment, and is thus visible to the operator of thematerials handling vehicle when the operator is within the operatingcompartment of the materials handling vehicle. On the other hand, thesecond illumination device is installed on the materials handlingvehicle remote from the main control display, and is oriented in thesecond direction (the outward facing direction) so as to direct lightthat is visible outside of materials handling vehicle.

Accordingly, operational information can be communicated to the operatorof the materials handling vehicle via the first illumination device in amanner that is de-centralized (remote) from a control console/display ofthe materials handling vehicle. Moreover, the ability to control anillumination device simplifies the information that is conveyed,resulting in glanceable information that can bring about or otherwiseenhance situational awareness of the operating environment. Moreover,information can be derived without requiring the vehicle operator tochange focus from the work at hand.

Likewise, operational information can be communicated to targetsexternal to the materials handling vehicle. As noted in greater detailherein, targets may comprise persons or equipment (e.g., with sensingcapability), which are proximate to the materials handling vehicle. Forinstance, persons may be notified of operational information via thesecond illumination device. Likewise, an output module 104 maybroadcast, transmit, or otherwise communicate information, e.g., viapropagating signals, illumination, etc., to target devices whereapplicable. This can bring about situational awareness with regard tothe operation of the materials handling vehicle.

Thus, the controller 108 can use the same information (e.g., from theelectronics 116 of a materials handling vehicle) to derive a singlemessage that is communicated to the first output device, the secondoutput device, or both. As another example, the controller 108 canutilize the same information to derive two distinct/different messages(e.g., convey different yet related or non-related information), e.g., afirst message for the first illumination device, and a second messagefor the second illumination device. As yet another example, thecontroller 108 can utilize different information to generate the samemessage for both the first display device and the second display device.Yet further, the controller 108 can utilize different information togenerate different messages for both the first display device and thesecond display device.

By way of example and not by way of limitation, upon approaching anintersection, the controller 108 receives an indication from thematerials handling vehicle electronics 116 that there is a pedestrian inthe vicinity. For instance, in an illustrative embodiment, the materialshandling vehicle electronics 116 include an RFID reader, or other formof radio frequency (RF) receiver that can read a signal transmitted by atag (e.g., RFID chip, RF transmitter, etc.) on the pedestrian. As such,the first illumination device may illuminate a red warning light toindicate the presence of the pedestrian. Where there are output modules104 that surround the operator of the materials handling vehicle, aselect light or group of illumination devices may be illuminated toprovide direction information as to the direction of the pedestrianrelative to the materials handling vehicle, to provide furthersituational awareness to the vehicle operator.

Additional dimensions of information may also be provided, e.g., usingblink rate, color, intensity, etc., to indicate a general distance ofthe pedestrian from the materials handling vehicle. As another example,the operator may be approaching a mandatory stop, e.g., at an aisle end,etc. An illumination device is utilized to remind the operator to stopat the appropriate location. Here, environmental based location trackingthat is tied into the materials handling vehicle electronics 16 canidentify the location of the materials handling vehicle, and thelocation of the oncoming stop location. The controller 108 can use thisinformation with native materials handling vehicle information, such asspeed, direction of travel, etc., to determine when to apply the warningvia the illumination device.

Moreover, the second illumination device (or devices oriented away fromthe materials handling vehicle) can convey the same information in theexamples above, or the illumination device(s) facing away from thematerials handling vehicle can convey different information. Forexample, the second illumination device may illuminate a white lightdirected towards the pedestrian. The white light directs thepedestrian's attention to the oncoming materials handling vehicle. Asanother example, the second illumination device may convey glanceableinformation pertaining to the speed of the materials handling vehicle,the direction of travel, a skill level of the operator of the materialshandling vehicle, an identity of the vehicle, an identity of theoperator, an identity of the content of a load on the forks of thematerials handling vehicle, etc.

Materials Handling Vehicle/Operational Indicator Component Interface:

In illustrative implementations, the vehicle interface 106 communicatesdirectly with materials handling vehicle electronics 116 across thevehicle network bus 118. The vehicle network bus 118 is any wired orwireless network, bus or other communications capability that allowselectronic components of a materials handling vehicle to communicatewith each other. In this regard, the vehicle network bus is local to thematerials handling vehicle. As an example, the vehicle network bus maycomprise one or more of a controller area network (CAN) bus, ZigBee,Bluetooth, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), time-triggered data-busprotocol (TTP), Ethernet, or other suitable communication strategy(including combinations thereof).

As will be described more fully herein, utilization of the vehiclenetwork bus 118 enables integration of the operational indicatorcomponent 100 into the native electronics 116 including controllers ofthe materials handling vehicle, and optionally, any electronicsperipherals associated with the materials handling vehicle thatintegrate with and can communicate over the vehicle network bus.However, the vehicle interface 106 may alternatively communicate withthe corresponding materials handling vehicle through other wired orwireless connections. In this manner, the materials handling vehicleelectronics may couple to a mobile asset information linking device (seeinformation linking device 38) as set out in U.S. Pat. No. 8,060,400,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In illustrative implementations, the vehicle interface 106 alsocommunicates directly or indirectly with one or more sensors 122attached to the corresponding materials handling vehicle. Examplesensors 122 include proximity sensors such as ultrasonic sensors, laserscanners, capacitive sensors, etc. A sensor 122 can also include a radiofrequency identification (RFID) reader that can read RFID tags, e.g.,embedded in the floor, in racks, on persons, on products, on workimplements and other machines, etc. Example sensors 122 also includeacceleration sensors, presence sensors, timers, proximity sensors andother sensor technologies.

In exemplary implementations, the vehicle interface 106 furthercommunicates directly or indirectly with aposition/location/environmental tracking device 124 that providesposition information of the corresponding materials handling vehicle,targets in the environment of the materials handling vehicle or both.Environmental tracking may be localized, e.g., relative to the materialshandling vehicle, or fixed global positioning, e.g., relative to awarehouse or other location of operation.

Thus, in an illustrative example, the vehicle interface 106electronically connects to at least one sensor that is connected to thematerials handling vehicle, which senses at least one of vehiclelocation (e.g., environmental based location tracking) and targetsproximate to the materials handling vehicle (e.g., using proximitysensors such as an RF transmitter/receiver pair, RFID, capacitivesensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc.).

The vehicle interface 106 may still further communicate directly orindirectly with other input/output devices 126, including for instance,a microphone, horn, audible tone, etc.

Accordingly, an embodiment can include the vehicle interface 106 in datacommunication with any combination of materials handling vehicleelectronics 116, a wireless transceiver 120, sensors 122, environmentaltracking 124, and I/O 126.

Remote Information Gathering:

In illustrative implementations, the operational indicator component 100is coupled to a transceiver 120 for wireless communication across anetwork infrastructure, e.g., based upon a wireless protocol, such as an802.11. The ability to interact with a server facilitates the ability toanalyze information external to the materials handling vehicle to makedecisions as to how to operate the output module(s) 104, examples ofwhich are described in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, an operational working environment 200 isschematically illustrated. The operational working environment includesa plurality of materials handling vehicles 202, implemented as forklifttrucks (solely for purposes of illustration) that wirelesslycommunicate, e.g., via a transceiver 120 (see FIG. 1) to an access point204. In this example, each materials handling vehicle 202 has installedthereon, one or more operational indicator components 100 as describedwith reference to FIG. 1.

The access point 204 conveys the wirelessly communicated informationthrough one or more intermediate devices 206, e.g., routers, hubs,firewalls, network interfaces, wired or wireless communications linksand corresponding interconnections, cellular stations and correspondingcellular conversion technologies, e.g., to convert between cellular andtcp/ip, etc., to a materials handling vehicle application server 208.The materials handling vehicle application server 208 stores operationalinformation in a database 210 and may communicate with other businessservers 212 in a facility. The materials handling vehicle applicationserver 208 may also communicate across the Internet 214 to a remoteserver 216, e.g., a server managed by the materials handling vehiclemanufacturer, which may store data collected by the manufacturer and oneor more facilities in a database 218. Thus, the transceiver 120 of FIG.1 may be utilized as a bridge to exchange information between thecontroller 108 of the operational indicator component 100 and any of thematerials handling vehicles 202, the materials handling vehicleapplication server 208, the business server 212, the remote server 216,or other device.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, a materials handling vehicle 202typically operates in a warehouse or other environment in which thevehicle must maneuver in the presence of targets such asworkers/pedestrians 220, stationary machines and equipment 222, othermaterials handling vehicles 202, as well as storage locations, and otherobjects in the operating environment. As such, according to aspects ofthe present disclosure, the operational indicator system 100 installedon each materials handling vehicle 202 provides information to both thevehicle operator and others working in the environment to raisesituational awareness. In certain illustrative implementations, theworkers 220, equipment 222, etc., communicate with the materialshandling vehicle application server 208, which in turn, communicatesrelevant target location information to the materials handling vehicles202. Alternatively the workers 220, equipment 222, etc., can be tagged,such as using RFID tags, transmitters, beacons or other suitableposition determining, or environmental based location tracking devicesso as to be sensed directly or indirectly by a materials handlingvehicle 202 locally.

Example Operational Indicator System:

Referring to FIG. 3, a materials handling vehicle 302 includes theoperational indicator system as described in FIG. 1; and the wirelesscommunication features of the materials handling vehicle 202. Thematerials handling vehicle 302 is implemented as a “side-sit” forklift.In this exemplary implementation, there are four output devices 304, Theoutput devices 304 may be implemented as individual instances of theoperational indicator component 100 (e.g., four distinct instances), acommunication module 102 coupled to multiple output modules 104, etc.,as described more thoroughly with reference to FIG. 1. In this example,each output device 304 includes an inward facing output 306A, 306B,306C, and 306D. Each output device 304 also includes an outward facingoutput 308A, 308B, 308C, and 308D. FIG. 3 illustrates the inward facingoutput 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D and the corresponding outward facingoutput 308A, 308B, 308C, and 308D in the same housing. However, suchneed not be the case.

In this example, the inward facing outputs face an operator'scompartment, and more particularly, the operator's seat 310 in thisexample. Because the inward facing output 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306Dsurround the operator, the controller 108 (or controllers 108) controlor are otherwise orchestrated to provide glanceable operationalinformation, such as direction information, e.g., regardless of thedirection of gaze of the vehicle operator. Moreover, intensity, color,or other controllable attributes can be utilized to convey otherglanceable, yet actionable information. Still further, the inward facingoutput 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D can generate sound, e.g., via speakersto provide direction information to the operator. As such, the inwardfacing output 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D can be utilized to warn ofquickly approaching vehicles that may otherwise be in the blind spot ofthe operator, to indicate the location of pedestrians or other targetsin the vicinity of the materials handling vehicle, to indicate speed,etc.

Because each operational indicator component 100 is tied to the vehicleelectronics, e.g., via the CAN bus, via Bluetooth, etc., complexinformation can be organized into simple, concise outputs. For instance,speed as a function of load on forks can be conveyed with the inwardfacing output 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D. Likewise, speed as a functionof obstacles, warehouse location, or any number of other factors thatcan be integrated into a glanceable message can be conveyed with theinward facing output 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D.

As another example, if the operator drives through a turn at anexcessive rate of speed, the inward facing outputs 306A, 306B, 306C, and306D can convey a proper warning. For instance, where at least oneoutput, e.g., 306A is an illumination panel, a warning message may bedisplayed, such as to “slow down”. Alternatively, a visual metaphor maybe provided, such as a directional arrow that points up or downinforming the vehicle operator how to alter vehicle speed as thematerials handling vehicle approaches an intersection. Alternatively,where the inward facing outputs 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D compriselights, a selected color may be used to inform the operator that thevehicle speed is excessive. Still further, a light may provide anaffirmation that the operator is performing a job properly. In thisregard, the affirmation is implemented without requiring the operator toshift focus from the task at hand.

Moreover, one or more lights may flash, change in intensity, change incolor, generate a pattern, etc. that conveys information. For instance,the difference in permitted speed in the turn and the actual speed inthe turn may be computed. Based upon the difference, the intensity of alight may be modulated, so that as the driver slows down or speeds up,the modulation changes accordingly to inform the operator.

Still further, if the materials handling vehicle is equipped withenvironmental based location tracking, the vehicle will know that a turnis ahead before the vehicle reaches the turn. In this case, at least oneinward facing output, e.g., 306A can begin to modulate, e.g., pulse,flash, glow, as the vehicle approaches the intersection, thus coachingthe vehicle operator in proper vehicle operation in a manner that isglanceable.

In another example, the inward facing outputs 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306Dcan inform the vehicle operator of the general location of a pedestrian.For instance, inward facing light 306D is illustrated as being behindand to the right of the materials handling vehicle. Thus, a pedestrianbehind and to the right of the materials handling vehicle may be out ofsite of the vehicle operator. However, in an example configuration, theoperational indicator system alerts the operator, e.g., by sounding ahorn or issuing a command to a haptic device located proximate to theinward facing light 306D. Thus, even if the vehicle operator cannot seethe inward facing light 306D in certain operating positions, the vehicleoperator is alerted to the existence of a pedestrian behind and to theright of the materials handling vehicle (in this example).

Notably, because the inward facing outputs 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306Dare arrayed around the operator, a light from at least one of the inwardfacing outputs 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D will be visible to the vehicleoperator regardless of operating position.

The outward facing output 308A, 308B, 308C, and 308D outputs areutilized to convey information to targets outside the materials handlingvehicle 302. Because the materials handling vehicle 302 communicateswith a server via one or more wireless connections, the conveyedinformation may relate to the operation of the materials handlingvehicle 302, the vehicle operator, the task to be performed, or theenvironment in which the materials handling vehicle 302 is operating.For instance, the outward facing output 308A, 308B, 308C, and 308D canconvey information about the speed of the vehicle, direction of travelof the vehicle, the intent of the vehicle to stop, accelerate, changedirections, raise or lower forks, etc. The outward facing output 308A,308B, 308C, and 308D can also convey information extracted from a serveror otherwise obtained by the materials handling vehicle, e.g., theidentity of the operator, the identity of the vehicle itself, the skilllevel of the operator, a shift, a team associated with the vehicle, etc.Still further, the wireless connection allows integration to a businessserver to obtain operational information, e.g., from a warehousemanagement system. This allows the controller 108 to communicateinformation via the outward facing output 308A, 308B, 308C, and 308D,about the assigned task or activity that the vehicle is engaged in.

In general, the controller 108 (FIG. 1) can receive messages from thevehicle network bus of the materials handling vehicle 302. By usingcontrol maps pre-loaded into the controller 108 and by causing thecontroller 108 to execute a rules processing engine, the controller 108can generate the necessary output signals to the output module(s) 104 toconvey any number of advanced glanceable functions. The controller 108may also detect changes in the state of vehicle information, e.g., bycomparing previously stored state values against current state values.For instance, if a materials handling vehicle only stores or otherwisesenses the current speed, then the controller may use memory to storeone or more previous values to determine whether the vehicle isaccelerating, decelerating, maintaining a constant speed, is stopped,etc. Moreover, the controller can use states or state change informationto determine when to turn outputs (e.g., lights) on, off, when to changecolor, when to change intensity, etc.

Still further, the controller 108 may receive commands, e.g., from thematerials handling vehicle 302 via a remote server, to turn on aspecific output or to turn off a specific output. For instance, a remoteserver may instruct the controller 108 to turn on or start flashing, aseries of lights in response to detecting an impact, upon detecting thatthe operator picked up the wrong pallet, to inform an operator that ashift is over, to inform an operator that it is time for a scheduledbattery change or planned maintenance, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4, a materials handling vehicle 402 includes theoperational indicator system as described in FIG. 1, and the wirelesscommunication features of the materials handling vehicles 202. Thematerials handling vehicle 402 comprises a turret stock picker. In thisimplementation, the vehicle operator raises and lowers with the forks.As such, the illumination devices are provided in a more distributedmanner. More specifically, the system includes an inward facing output406A, 406B, 406C, and 406D that surround an operator's compartment 407.In this illustrative example, each inward facing output 406A, 406B,406C, and 406D is illustrated as a light bar having a plurality ofillumination devices, each illumination device separately controllableto convey different information.

In the materials handling vehicle 402, the operator's seat can pivot,swivel or otherwise rotate. Moreover, the operator may stand up and evenmove about the operator's compartment 407. However, regardless of theoperator activity, e.g., sitting, standing, etc., at least one of theinward facing outputs 406A, 406B, 406C, and 406D that surround theoperator's compartment 407 will be directed towards the operator.

In certain implementations, the rotational position of the seat istracked by the materials handling vehicle electronics 116. Moreover, theposition of the operator in the operator's compartment 407 is tracked bythe materials handling vehicle electronics 116. That is, the electronics116 on the materials handling vehicle 402 knows if the vehicle operatoris standing, sitting, side facing, forward facing, etc. As such, thisinformation may be utilized to generate intelligent decisions as towhich one or more of the inward facing outputs 406A, 406B, 406C, and406D is activated to capture the attention of the vehicle operator.Moreover, the operator orientation may be tracked so that dynamicbehaviors such as changing operator orientation can be accounted forwhen directing information to the vehicle operator.

The system also includes outward facing outputs 408A, 408B, 408C, and408D that surround the operator's compartment 407. The system alsoincludes outward facing outputs 408E, 408F, 408G, and 408H that surrounda power unit 410 of the materials handling vehicle 402. In this regard,the outward facing outputs 408A, 408B, 408C, 408D, 408E, 408F, 408G, and408H are implemented as light bars that extend generally vertical alongthe corners of the operator's compartment and power unit of thematerials handling vehicle 402. This allows information to be conveyedexternal to the materials handling vehicle 402 regardless of whether theoperator's compartment 407 is raised or lowered.

Thus, FIG. 4 illustrates that output devices may be oriented indifferent directions, different heights and different parts of amaterials handling vehicle. In this regard, the precise placement of theoutput devices will depend upon the situational awareness information tobe conveyed.

Otherwise, the system of FIG. 4 can implement any of the functionsdescribed more fully herein.

Decentralized Indicator System Algorithm:

Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart illustrates an algorithm forimplementing a decentralized information display on a materials handlingvehicle, according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard,the algorithm implements a method 500 of providing situationalawareness. The method comprises receiving, at 502, operationalinformation about a work environment from a materials handling vehicle.As described in greater detail herein, this information is received bythe controller 108 of the operational indicator system, and can includeinformation about vehicle location, the location of targets in thevicinity of the materials handling vehicle, the state or status of thematerials handling vehicle, or combinations thereof.

The method 500 also comprises generating, at 504, a first control signalrepresenting a first situational awareness message for an operator ofthe materials handling vehicle based at least in part, upon the receivedoperational information. The first situational awareness message isembodied as control signals that control one or more output devices,e.g., lights, sounds, haptic devices, etc., that are directed in the“inward facing direction” as described more fully herein.

The method 500 still further comprises generating, at 506, a secondcontrol signal indicative of a second situational awareness message fora target external to the materials handling vehicle based at least inpart, upon the received operational information, where the secondsituational awareness message is different from the first situationalawareness message. The second situational awareness message is embodiedas control signals that control one or more output devices, e.g.,lights, sounds, etc., that are directed in the “outward facingdirection” as described more fully herein.

The method 500 also comprises controlling, at 508, a first output devicemounted on the materials handling vehicle using the first controlsignal, to output the first situational awareness message. The method500 also comprises controlling, at 510, a second output device mountedon the materials handling vehicle using the second control signal, tooutput the second situational awareness message.

In an illustrative implementation of the method 500, receiving, at 502,operational information comprises receiving at least one piece ofoperational information from a remote server, by a transceiver on thematerials handling vehicle. The operational information may relate tothe location of a target that is proximate to, but external to thematerials handling vehicle. By way of example, receiving at least onepiece of operational information from a remote server may comprisereceiving the location of a pedestrian in the vicinity of the materialshandling vehicle. Moreover, receiving at least one piece of operationalinformation from a remote server may comprise receiving the location ofa piece of equipment, such as receiving information about anothervehicle operating in the vicinity of the materials handling vehicle.

In further illustrative examples, receiving at least one piece ofoperational information from a remote server may comprise receiving anindication that the materials handling vehicle is approaching an areathat requires a change in operation of the materials handling vehicle.For instance, receiving at least one piece of operational informationmay comprise receiving information that the materials handling vehicleis approaching an end of an aisle where a select one of a slow down anda stop are required.

In still a further exemplary implementation, receiving operationalinformation can comprise receiving at least one piece of operationalinformation directly from a target that is proximate to, but external tothe materials handling vehicle. For instance, the method may comprisecommunicating wirelessly with at least one remote garment (e.g., a vest)equipped with a transceiver, to obtain situational information that isutilized to determine whether to generate at least one of the firstcontrol signal and the second control signal. As another example, themethod may comprise receiving at least one piece of operationalinformation by electronics of the materials handling vehicle, whichrelates to the location of a target that is proximate to, but externalto the materials handling vehicle, and receiving at least one previouslydetermined (e.g., previously recorded) operational characteristic of thematerials handling vehicle. For instance, a particular operator may havean assessed skill level of “2”. Moreover, a warehouse manager maydetermine that skill level 2 operators must not exceed 3 miles per hourwhen in the vicinity of a certain type of worker, e.g., a stock picker.

In yet a further example implementation, the method further comprisesreceiving operational information, generating the first indicatorcontrol signal to generate a first output pattern using the receivedoperational information, and generating the second indicator controlsignal to generate a second output pattern different from the firstoutput pattern using the received operational information. For example,a speed sensor on a materials handling vehicle may indicate that thevehicle is slowing down. This may trigger the first indicator controlsignal to generate a first output pattern, e.g., a green light as theinward facing output. However, this may also trigger the secondindicator control signal to generate a second output pattern differentfrom the first output pattern. For instance, the second indicatorcontrol signal may cause the outward facing light to flash red informinga pedestrian that the vehicle is changing speed.

As yet a further example, first operational information, e.g.,environmental location based information, may indicate that thematerials handling vehicle is approaching an intersection. Here, atleast one inward facing output is controlled to warn the operator of theintersection. Moreover, second operational information different fromthe first operational information may be used to generate the secondindicator control signal. For instance, the second operationalinformation may comprise the speed and direction of the materialshandling vehicle, which is used to illuminate the outward facing lightsto alert a worker in the vicinity of the materials handling vehicle.

In still another implementation, the method further comprises generatingthe first indicator control signal using first operational informationand generating the second indicator control signal using secondoperational information that is different from the first operationalinformation. For instance, the speed from a speed sensor on thematerials handling vehicle can be used to inform the vehicle operatorthat the current operating speed exceeds a designated speed zone byilluminating a white light as an inward facing light, whereas traveldirection may be communicated to the outward facing illumination device.

The method may further comprise conceptually constructing an imaginarycircle around the vehicle, selecting a tangent, designating lightsdirected inward of the tangent as inward facing lights for the operator,and designating lights directed outward of the tangent as outward facinglights for targets external to the materials handling vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 6, a materials handling vehicle 602 includes anoperational indicator system as described more fully herein. That is,the materials handling vehicle 602 includes multiple output modules 604(analogous to output modules 104 described with reference to FIG. 1),which surround the vehicle operator. For instance, each output module604 includes inward facing outputs 606 and outward facing outputs 608.

Moreover, workers in the vicinity of the materials handling vehicle 602each wear a communication-enabled vest 610. This can include theoperator of the materials handling vehicle 602 as well. Eachcommunication-enabled vest 610 includes a control area 612. The controlarea is illustrated generally in the shoulder area of thecommunication-enabled vest 610 for purposes of illustration only. Thecommunication-enabled vest 610 also includes a communication area 614that includes one or more illumination devices, e.g., an illuminationpanel, a haptic device, etc.

The control area 612 includes in general, a processor 620 that iscoupled to memory 622. The memory 622 can store programs and datacollected by the communications-enabled vest 610. The control area 612also includes a wireless module 624 coupled to the processor 620. Forinstance, wireless module 624 may include a Bluetooth transceiver forlocal communication with other communication-enable vests 610, withmaterials handling vehicles 602, etc. The wireless module 624 may alsoinclude a wireless transceiver, e.g., 802.11, for communication with awireless infrastructure (including the materials handling vehicle 602)within a warehouse environment. As such, the communication-enabled vest610 can communicate with the materials handling vehicle 602, with aremote server, or combinations thereof.

Still further, in the example embodiment, the control area 612 includessensors 626 that are connected to the processor 620. For instance,sensors 626 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. In this regard,the accelerometers can cooperate with the processor 620 to log operatormovement, which is stored in the memory 622. The collected movement datacan also be uploaded to a remote server, e.g., via the wireless module624.

The sensors 626 can also include a device such a camera, tag, reader, orother technology, e.g., in the shoulder area of the vest, to facilitateenvironmental based location tracking of the worker. In an example, acamera cooperates with the processor, 620 to identify the position ofthe worker within the environment, e.g., a warehouse. In this regard,the materials handling vehicle 602 may also include a camera, tag,reader, sensor or other technology, to facilitate environmental basedlocation tracking of the materials handling vehicle. Thus, completeenvironmental awareness of mobile targets can be realized. Moreover,where the operator of the materials handling vehicle 602 wears acommunication-enabled vest 610, location awareness of the operator ispreserved regardless of whether the operator is on or off the materialshandling vehicle 602.

Still further, in the example embodiment, a control area 612 includesinput/output (I/O) 628 coupled to the processor 620. The I/O can includespeakers near the shoulder area. The provision of speakers eliminatesthe need to wear a headset or other device that can obscure the hearingof the worker. The I/O can also include a microphone and necessarycontrols for the microphone. For instance, the microphone can cooperatewith the processor 620 and wireless module 624 to implement remotecommunication.

Still further, the control area 612 can include a light controller 630that is coupled to the processor 620. The light controller 630 may benecessary to provide the appropriate drivers, buffers, protectioncircuitry, conversion circuitry, etc., to drive the illuminationdevice(s) provided in the communication area 614.

Each communication-enabled vest 610 also includes a communication area614 that includes one or more illumination devices, e.g., anillumination panel, a haptic device, etc. As such, thecommunication-enabled vest 610 can communicate glanceable information tothe operator of the materials handling vehicle 602. Moreover, thecommunication area 614 can provide actionable illumination in a manneranalogous to that described with reference to the materials handlingvehicle. That is, the communication area 614 can provide illuminatedinformation to others in the vicinity of the worker, and/or thecommunication area 614 can provide illuminated information to theindividual wearing the communication-enabled vest 610.

As a few illustrative examples, a light ring in the communication area614 can communicate a worker identification, a skill level of theworker, a task assigned to the worker, an indication that the workercompleted (or missed) a productivity or other metric. In an example, theprocessor 620 receives from the wireless module 624, an indication thata materials handling vehicle 602 is approaching. As such, the processor620 controls the light controller 630 to illuminate the communicationarea 614 in a manner that alerts the worker (and others around theworker) of the approaching vehicle.

By way of example, assume that the materials handling vehicle is comingaround a blind corner. Environmental based location tracking identifiesthat the worker wearing a communications-enabled vest 610 will be in thevicinity of the materials handling vehicle after the vehicle rounds thecorner. As such, the communications-enabled vest 610 informs theoperator about the oncoming materials handling vehicle. Moreover, thecommunication area 614 illuminates a message to the vehicle operator ofthe materials handling vehicle alerting the vehicle operator of theworker. Thus, the communication-enabled vest 610 augments the inwardfacing outputs of the indication system described more fully herein.

Thus, while the communication-enabled vest 610 can augment the outputdevices of the operational indicator component 100, it can also operateautonomously of the operational indicator component 100 on a materialshandling vehicle. Still further, the systems of the operationalindicator component 100 and the communication-enabled vest can worktogether to communicate between workers and vehicle operators.

MISCELLANEOUS

The de-centralized operational indicator system for a materials handlingvehicle expands outside the display typically provided on a conventionalmaterials handling vehicle. Moreover, the de-centralized operatorindicator system minimizes the need to glance at a display. Stillfurther, the de-centralized operational indicator system facilitates theability to convey operational information that was not nativelysupported in the original vehicle display.

Also, the de-centralized operational indicator system facilitatessituational awareness both for the operator of the materials handlingvehicle, and for targets outside the materials handling vehicle.

In illustrative implementations, light indicators and audio speakerssurround the operator. Internal truck lighting is thus formed along theperimeter surrounding the operator. Moreover, light indicators cansurround the outside of the vehicle.

The light indicators can be controlled, e.g., through changing the colorof the light in response to the actions of the forklift, e.g., turning,slowing down, raising or lowering forks, changing direction of travel,etc.

The indicators can be utilized to communicate direction of travel,location of pedestrians, direction of other vehicles or equipment. Theindicators can be utilized to provide operator training e.g., byalerting the operator of a need to stop, slow down, etc., The indicatorscan be utilized to indicate when an operator performs a task properly orimproperly, e.g., by illuminating a green light for a well executedblend operation or a red light for an improperly implemented blendoperation.

In example implementations, the indicators serve as an alert to thevehicle operator of operational issues associated with the materialshandling vehicle or to issues with the assigned task, e.g., indicatethat the operator is at the wrong pick location, etc. For instance, inan example implementation, the vehicle interface electronicallycommunicates with a native vehicle network bus of the materials handlingvehicle to receive information about the operating state of the vehicledirectly across the vehicle bus, and accordingly, conveys information,either normal or abnormal, to the operator. As yet another example, thevehicle interface communicates with a processor on the materialshandling vehicle that wirelessly receives information from a remoteserver computer via a wireless connection to convey information to theoperator, e.g., to inform the operator that a battery change has beenscheduled, that a shift is about to end, that a load is ready to bepicked up, etc.

In the examples provided herein, the controller converts the receivedinformation at the vehicle interface to situational informationregarding at least one of the materials handling vehicle and theenvironment in which the vehicle is operating. This can further tie intoinformation about the operator, the task being (or about to be)performed by the operator, etc.

In this manner, the controller communicates first situational awarenessinformation to a first output (e.g., a first illumination device), whichis intended to inform the operator of the materials handling vehicle asto information relevant to the operation of the materials handlingvehicle. Moreover, the controller communicates second situationalawareness information to a second output (e.g., a second illuminationdevice), which is intended to inform external targets near the materialshandling vehicle as to information relevant to the operation of thematerials handling vehicle. Here, the second situational awarenessinformation may be the same as, or different from the first situationalawareness information. Moreover, the first and second situationalawareness information can be communicated simultaneously (or nearsimultaneously), or at different times, as the application dictates.

Moreover, the external facing illumination sources can be utilized tocommunicate information to targets outside of the materials handlingvehicle. For instance, the external facing illumination devices can beutilized to convey direction of the vehicle, vehicle proximity, vehicleoperations, etc.

As best illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, there may be atleast three output devices, the output devices positioned so as tosurround the operator of the materials handling vehicle. For instance,four output devices are illustrated in FIG. 4, each output device havinga plurality of lights. Similarly, the surrounding of the operator can beaccomplished by one or more strings of output devices that surround orpartially surround the operator.

Moreover, the output devices may comprise an operator-oriented soundgenerator provided with each output module, which is oriented to directsound into the operating compartment of the materials handling vehicle,and is thus intended to communicate situational information to theoperator of the materials handling vehicle. Likewise, an external objectwarning sound generator may be provided with each output module, whichis oriented to direct sound away from the materials handling vehicle,and is thus intended to communicate situational information to externaltargets remote from, but in proximity to, the materials handlingvehicle.

In another illustrative example, an LED array surrounds the power unitof a materials handling vehicle providing external lighting to showpedestrians and others in the vicinity of the materials handling vehiclethe intention of the operator, e.g., to convey intent to turn, maintainor change speed or direction, brake, etc.

In an example implementation, the output devices also communicate theintent of the operator to go to a particular location, such as wherelocation tracking is utilized in concert with a warehouse managementsystem. As still further examples, one or more output devices comprise alaser source. In this manner, lasers are used to project the path anddirection of the materials handling vehicle. For instance, a laser canproject ahead of the materials handling vehicle in the direction oftravel to announce that the vehicle is coming, which may be particularlyuseful on blind corners. In a further example implementation, the colorof a laser can change to indicate a change in truck condition, e.g., toindicate a need to slow down for a turn, or otherwise indicate analteration in vehicle behavior. In yet another example, a laser can beutilized to locate the next pick location on the aisle floor in front ofthe operator.

The controller is configured to control each output device independentlyto provide information utilizing different modes of movement, directionof movement, color transition, intensity transition, etc. to convey oneor more pieces of information (potentially simultaneously) to both theoperator and other targets external to the vehicle.

The controller may be further configured to control each output deviceindependently to provide direction information within the operatingcompartment, thus providing information intended for the operator of thematerials handling vehicle, by controlling the first output (e.g.,inward facing first illumination device) of each output module. Also,the controller may control each output module independently to providedirection information external to the materials handling vehicle, thusproviding information intended for targets that are external and remotefrom, but proximate to the materials handling vehicle by controlling thesecond output (e.g., outward facing second illumination device) of eachoutput module.

Also, as noted in greater detail herein, the operational indicatorsystem may be bidirectional, e.g., by including at least one microphonecoupled to the controller for conveying voice commands from the operatorof the materials handling vehicle to the communication module.

In still further exemplary implementations, at least one of the firstoutput device and the second output device is integrated into a wearablegarment such as a vest that is in wireless communication with thecommunication module. Still alternatively, a wearable garment having atransceiver therein, may be used for wirelessly communicatinginformation to the controller of the communication module.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Aspects ofthe invention were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detailand by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A de-centralized operational indicator system fora materials handling vehicle, comprising: a communication module having:a vehicle interface that communicates with electronics of a materialshandling vehicle to which the communication module is attached; aninformation system interface; and a controller that is connected to thevehicle interface and the information system interface; and an outputmodule coupled to the information system interface of the communicationmodule, the output module having: a first output device; and a secondoutput device; wherein: when installed on the materials handlingvehicle, the first output device is oriented in a first directiontowards an operating compartment of the materials handling vehicle; thesecond output device is oriented in a second direction that is directedaway from the materials handling vehicle; information is received by thevehicle interface of the communication module from materials handlingvehicle electronics; the controller includes programming to analyze thereceived information and convert the received information to situationalinformation regarding at least one of the materials handling vehicle andthe environment in which the vehicle is operating; the controllergenerates a first control signal that is communicated as firstsituational awareness information to the first output device to informthe operator of the materials handling vehicle as to informationrelevant to the operation of the materials handling vehicle; and thecontroller generates a second control signal that is communicated assecond situational awareness information to the second output device,wherein the second situational awareness information is different fromthe first situational awareness information, to inform external targetsnear the materials handling vehicle as to information relevant to theoperation of the materials handling vehicle.
 2. The de-centralizedoperational indicator system of claim 1, wherein: the first outputdevice comprises a first illumination device; and the second outputdevice comprises a second illumination device; wherein, when installedon the materials handling vehicle: the first illumination device isoriented in the first direction so as to direct light within theoperating compartment of the materials handling vehicle; and the secondillumination device is oriented in the second direction so as to directlight outside of the materials handling vehicle.
 3. The de-centralizedoperational indicator system of claim 1, wherein: the vehicle interfaceelectronically connects to a native vehicle network bus of the materialshandling vehicle to receive information about the operating state of thematerials handling vehicle directly across the vehicle network bus. 4.The de-centralized operational indicator system of claim 1, wherein: thevehicle interface electronically connects to at least one of: a sensorthat is connected to the materials handling vehicle, which senses atleast one of vehicle location and targets proximate to the materialshandling vehicle; and a transceiver to receive information from a remoteserver computer via a wireless connection.
 5. The de-centralizedoperational indicator system of claim 1 further comprising: at least twoadditional output modules positioned so as to surround the operatingcompartment of the materials handling vehicle.
 6. The de-centralizedoperational indicator system of claim 5, wherein: the controllercontrols each output module independently to provide directioninformation within the operating compartment, thus providing informationintended for the operator of the materials handling vehicle, bycontrolling the first output device of each output module; and thecontroller controls each output module independently to providedirection information external to the materials handling vehicle, thusproviding information intended for targets that are external and remotefrom, but proximate to the materials handling vehicle by controlling thesecond output of each output module.
 7. The de-centralized operationalindicator system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of: anoperator-oriented sound generator provided with each output module,which is oriented to direct sound into the operating compartment of thematerials handling vehicle, and which is intended to communicatesituational information to the operator of the materials handlingvehicle; and an external object warning sound generator provided witheach output module, which is oriented to direct sound away from thematerials handling vehicle, and which is intended to communicatesituational information to external targets remote from, but inproximity to, the materials handling vehicle.
 8. The de-centralizedoperational indicator system of claim 1 further comprising: at least onemicrophone coupled to the controller for conveying voice commands fromthe operator of the materials handling vehicle to the communicationmodule.
 9. The de-centralized operational indicator system of claim 1,wherein: at least one of the first output device and the second outputdevice is integrated into a wearable vest that is in wirelesscommunication with the communication module.
 10. A method of providingsituational awareness, comprising: providing a de-centralizedoperational indicator system for a materials handling vehicle,comprising: a communication module having a vehicle interface thatcommunicates with electronics of a materials handling vehicle to whichthe communication module is attached, an information system interface,and a controller that is connected to the vehicle interface and theinformation system interface; and an output module coupled to theinformation system interface of the communication module, the outputmodule having a first output device, and a second output device;wherein: when installed on the materials handling vehicle, the firstoutput device is oriented in a first direction towards an operatingcompartment of the materials handling vehicle; the second output deviceis oriented in a second direction that is directed away from thematerials handling vehicle; receiving, by the controller, operationalinformation about at least one of the materials handling vehicle and theenvironment in which the materials handling vehicle is operating;generating a first control signal indicative of a first situationalawareness message for an operator of the materials handling vehiclebased at least in part, upon the received operational information;communicating the first control signal indicative of the firstsituational awareness message to the first output device to inform theoperator of the materials handling vehicle as to information relevant tothe operation of the materials handling vehicle; generating a secondcontrol signal indicative of a second situational awareness message fora target external to the materials handling vehicle based at least inpart, upon the received operational information, where the secondsituational awareness message is different from the first situationalawareness message; and communicating the second control signalindicative of the second situational awareness message to the secondoutput device to inform external targets near the materials handlingvehicle as to information relevant to the operation of the materialshandling vehicle.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein:receiving operational information comprises receiving at least one pieceof operational information from a remote server by a transceiver on thematerials handling vehicle, which relates to the location of a targetthat is proximate to, but external to the materials handling vehicle,the target comprising at select one of a pedestrian in the vicinity ofthe materials handling vehicle, and a piece of equipment.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein: receiving operational informationcomprises receiving information about another vehicle operating in thevicinity of the materials handling vehicle.
 13. The method according toclaim 10, wherein: receiving operational information comprises receivingan indication that the materials handling vehicle is approaching an areathat requires a change in operation of the materials handling vehicle.14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: receiving operationalinformation comprises receiving information that the materials handlingvehicle is approaching the end of an aisle where a select one of a slowdown and a stop are required.
 15. The method according to claim 10,wherein: receiving operational information comprises receiving at leastone piece of operational information directly from a target that isproximate to, but external to the materials handling vehicle.
 16. Themethod according to claim 10 further comprising: receiving at least onepiece of operational information by electronics of the materialshandling vehicle, which relates to the location of a target that isproximate to, but external to the materials handling vehicle; andreceiving at least one previously determined operational characteristicof the materials handling vehicle.
 17. The method according to claim 10further comprising: receiving operational information; generating thefirst indicator control signal to generate a first pattern of outputusing the received operational information; and generating the secondindicator control signal to generate as a second pattern of outputdifferent from the first pattern of output using the receivedoperational information.
 18. The method according to claim 10 furthercomprising: generating the first indicator control signal using firstoperational information; and generating the second indicator controlsignal using second operational information that is different from thefirst operational information.
 19. The method according to claim 10further comprising: conceptually constructing an imaginary circle aroundthe vehicle; selecting a tangent; designating lights directed inward ofthe tangent as inward facing lights for the operator; and designatinglights directed outward of the tangent as outward facing lights fortargets external to the materials handling vehicle; wherein:communicating the first control signal indicative of the firstsituational awareness message to the first output device comprisescontrolling the inward facing lights using the first control signal tooutput the first situational awareness message; and communicating thesecond control signal indicative of the second situational awarenessmessage to the second output device comprises controlling the outwardfacing lights using the second control signal to output the secondsituational awareness message.
 20. A method of providing situationalawareness, comprising: receiving operational information about a workenvironment from a materials handling vehicle; generating a firstcontrol signal representing a first situational awareness message for anoperator of the materials handling vehicle based at least in part, uponthe received operational information; generating a second control signalindicative of a second situational awareness message for a targetexternal to the materials handling vehicle based at least in part, uponthe received operational information, where the second situationalawareness message is different from the first situational awarenessmessage; controlling a first output device mounted on the materialshandling vehicle using the first control signal to output the firstsituational awareness message; controlling a second output devicemounted on the materials handling vehicle using the second controlsignal to output the second situational awareness message; andcommunicating wirelessly with at least one remote garment equipped witha transceiver, to obtain situational information that is utilized todetermine whether to generate at least one of the first control signaland the second control signal.
 21. A de-centralized operationalindicator system for a materials handling vehicle, comprising: acommunication module having: a vehicle interface that communicates withelectronics of a materials handling vehicle to which the communicationmodule is attached; an information system interface; and a controllerthat is connected to the vehicle interface and the information systeminterface; and an output module coupled to the information systeminterface of the communication module, the output module having: a firstoutput device comprising a plurality of lights; and a second outputdevice comprising a plurality of lights; wherein: when installed on thematerials handling vehicle, the first output device is oriented in afirst direction towards an operating compartment of the materialshandling vehicle; the second output device is oriented in a seconddirection that is directed away from the materials handling vehicle;information is received by the vehicle interface of the communicationmodule from materials handling vehicle electronics; and the controllerincludes programming to analyze the received information, generate afirst control signal for controlling the first output device so as toselectively control each of the plurality of lights of the first outputdevice such that each light, when illuminated, conveys differentinformation intended for the operator of the materials handling vehicle;and generate a second control signal for controlling the second outputdevice to selectively control each of the plurality of lights of thesecond output device such that each light, when illuminated, conveysdifferent information intended for a person remote from, but proximateto the materials handling vehicle.
 22. A de-centralized operationalindicator system for a materials handling vehicle, comprising: acommunication module having: a vehicle interface that communicates withelectronics of a materials handling vehicle to which the communicationmodule is attached; an information system interface; and a controllerthat is connected to the vehicle interface and the information systeminterface; an output module coupled to the information system interfaceof the communication module, the output device having: a first outputdevice; and a second output device; and a wearable garment having atransceiver therein, the wearable garment wirelessly communicatinginformation to the controller of the communication module; wherein: wheninstalled on the materials handling vehicle, the first output device isoriented in a first direction towards an operating compartment of thematerials handling vehicle; the second output device is oriented in asecond direction that is directed away from the materials handlingvehicle; information is received by the vehicle interface of thecommunication module from materials handling vehicle electronics; andthe controller includes programming to analyze the received information,generate a first control signal for controlling the first output device,and generate a second control signal for controlling the second outputdevice.